General Assembly, the key-decision making body of United Reformed Church (URC), was held between 9-12 July. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting was held digitally.

The 2021 General Assembly of the United Reformed Church began with the Constitution of Assembly in prayer by the Moderator of Assembly, Peter Pay.

The United Reformed Church’s Education and Learning Committee is launching a new grant to support lay discipleship development.

Funding for the Discipleship Development Large Grant Award comes from the proceeds from the sale of the Windermere Centre.

Around £5,000 per award per annum is available to recognised groups within the URC which can apply to the newly formed Discipleship Development Fund (DDF) Large Grant Awarding Group (LGAG) via the Revd Jenny Mills, the URC Secretary for Education and Learning.   

Commitment for Life, the United Reformed Church’s global justice programme, has created a new resource for Harvest.

Developed in partnership with Christian Aid along the theme of ‘Leaving a legacy’, the resource is designed for use for Harvest services or worship.

The resource includes a video of the service accompanied by its full text.

The Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, Programme Officer (Global Justice & Partnerships), said: “We are especially pleased with the brand-new song that was written, performed, and produced by our very own Roo Stewart, called ‘A Legacy’.”

The Joint Public Issues Team and Eco-Congregation Scotland have co-produced a variety of resources for the Season of Creation.

Each year, from 1 September to 4 October churches are encouraged to have a focus on the season – also known as Creationtide or Creation Time – with all the joys and responsibilities that being part of God’s creation brings to us.